The 10 Best Tactical Pens of 2020 in Reviews

Last Updated onJune 2, 2020

Have you ever seriously needed a pen at some point in life and you can’t get one? How does it feel? It’s an experience you hate to remember and possibly don’t want to get yourself in again. If you haven’t been in that situation, thank God, and it’s one you won’t desire to be in.

Generally, carrying a pen makes work easier, be it to or from work, or out on daily errands. Many of the pens are merely some shoddy plastic without much use apart from writing. However, if you still believe that is all that a “pen” can do, then it’s time for you to wake up and smell some coffee because pens do not only write but could help considerably save your skin someday.

Probably you’re wondering, how? They are called tactical pens. If you want to be safe but without attracting any attention, you only need the best tactical pen. They are used as survival or self-defense tools but looking like regular pens.

However, the task of finding the best tactical pen is not a walk in the park. If it’s your first time buying a tactical pen, it even gets harder. Here in this guide, you’ll get the top-rated tactical pens currently in the market as well as what you’ll consider when purchasing your tactical pen. Your selection headache has been cured.

Smith & Wesson SWPEN3BK Tactical Pen

Smith & Wesson is merely a formidable brand when it comes to the weaponry and tactical community. Now they have a tactical pen that is for sure the best among other tactical pens. This pen has dimensions similar to the ordinary pens but only that it doesn’t weigh that much hence it’s reliable to use.

It has a structure that is capable of withstanding severe punishments thanks to the aircraft-grade aluminum material used to make the pen.

The material is durable as well as lightweight, therefore, making it purely ergonomic. It has a pocket clip which makes it easy for you to store.

It has a relatively low price and features screws on its clip meaning you can replace it in case it ever breaks.

Pros

Small enough and easy to carry

A black finish that is subtle and attractive

A refillable cartridge meaning you can use it continuously for writing

Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen

Just as good as Gerber is with survival knives, the same applies to the tactical pens. The pen has a rugged design that features an excellent machined and well-engineered body that is made from steel.

Regardless of the situation that you’re in, the pen won’t crack or break. It has a steel pocket clip that you attach to your pockets at all times. It’s a guarantee that you’ll find it there when you need.

The tip has a glass-breaker component that is made from tempered steel that you can use to crack glass doors and windows during emergency cases.

The best feature is the reliable push-button mechanism. It immediately launches the ballpoint to get ready for any action.

It also features a Cerakote coating that provides an excellent foolproof grip even if it’s wet. The ink cartridge does work in all conditions to mean you can write even in the rain.

BOKER PLUS 09B0093 Titanium Tactical Pen

If you’re looking for a hefty, reliable as well as no-nonsense profile, the BOKER PLUS 09B0093 Titanium Tactical Pen is the only option. It has a bolt-action mechanism which extends the tip of the pen that might turn out to be fun when you’re bored in your office.

It is incredibly lightweight and has a low profile. It has a comfortable grip which molds nicely to your hand for excellent writing experience.

It’s also compatible with the Fisher Space Pen ink cartridges. It features a click function that makes it easier to transform into a weapon.

All the pen parts fit together beautifully without any noticeable part on the body. It as well writes well.

The pen is rugged and larger than the average girth hence it assures you of an excellent grip no matter the type of task at hand.

The aluminum body of the pen makes it last for an extended period hence you don’t have to go out purchasing another.

Schrade SCPENBK Tactical Pen

The Schrade SCPENBK Tactical Pen is made from an aircraft grade aluminum which makes it not only resemble a bullet but also bite like one. It’s 5 5/8 inches and comes as well with a handy clip making it easy for you to carry along in your pocket.

It uses ballpoint and can write in almost every weather conditions. It’s easy to refill as you only take off the screw.

Its nice size and formidable profile make the pen easy to handle as it provides an excellent grip. The pen is also durable, and its look won’t attract any attention.

It weighs enough that it’s able to do some real damage in case you need it during an emergency. It has a rugged design that is very durable and can withstand impacts, shocks, and heavy blows.

Uzi Defender Tactical Glass breaker Pen

If it’s the ability to break the glass that you seek, then the Uzi Defender Tactical Glass breaker Pen is the choice to make. It comes with a glass-breaker carbide tip excellent for emergency situations such as car accidents.

Furthermore, the pen has a great looking feature. Its dark gray color fits perfectly with its pointed design body.

The pen is a ballpoint and it’s compatible with most of the cartridge. The cartridge twists and it doesn’t pop out which means you don’t have to worry about a cap or a spring mechanism.

It has two ends one end has the glass breaking tip while the other end has the writing tip. It’s made from aluminum hence it’s not only lightweight but also very durable.

Under Control Tactical Pen

As much as you require a self-defense tool, you should keep a low profile. That’s why the under control tactical pen is the best option. This tactical pen has almost every feature required. Having it means no conceivable emergency type can outwit its functions.

It’s only 6.5 inches and it’s merely feather-weight to mean you won’t have any difficulties carrying it in your pockets.

It also contains some special killer features that will give an edge in such situations that you’ll be called to defend yourself.

It contains an incorporated LED flashlight for illumination, a glass breaker, a DNA defender as well as a rugged belt clip. The DNA defender function means that you’re able to retain DNA samples from your attacker that will be valuable for a criminal investigation.

The pen is also is very tough which means it will last you for several years without any breakage.

Hoffman Richter Stinger Tactical Pen

Whether you need a tactical pen for an emergency or self-defense, the Hoffman Richter Stinger Tactical Pen is the one to do it all. The pen includes a glass breaker that you can use to break all the glass in cases of an emergency.

Some tactical pens will scream out precisely what they are, but the Hoffman doesn’t. It’s 6 inches of length and it’s as well lightweight meaning you can have it comfortably in your pocket.

The “stinger” is made from anodized aluminum which means it’s sturdy and durable to serve you for an extended period.

Also, its surface is coated with titanium which helps to ward off corrosion hence you can carry it to any weather conditions.

It features standard ballpoint refills. Whether you’ll be on your job site and required to sign for some delivery while it’s raining, you’ll just do it nicely.

Columbia River Knife and Tool Tactical Pen

The Columbia River Knife and Tool Tactical Pen were designed by a martial arts instructor hence a form following function design. Merely, it looks like a stylish writing pen to an ordinary eye (untrained eye), but in the real sense it’s a lethal pen.

It has a precisely machined aluminum body which makes it absolutely tough and durable. Also, it’s lightweight to mean you can carry it in your pockets easily.

It also features a tapered body surface which gives you a smooth and comfortable grip. Besides, it’s contemporarily aesthetic.

It comes with its case and measures about 6 inches which is capable of placing in your pocket. The ink cartridge for the pen can easily be swapped out.

Practical Tactical Pen

The Practical Tactical Pen by pocket partners is undoubtedly one of the best models that you can consider when looking for the best tactical pen for self-defense. It has an elegant design which looks like an ordinary pen for an eye.

Its cap slides firmly to the back when you write hence reduce the chances of losing it somewhere. Also, it has a well-balanced weight which makes it easy to carry.

It’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum which is responsible for it is lightweight but strong enough for self-defense when necessary.

It is also stylish and beautiful as it contains black as well as gunmetal gray options which make it not to look like a tactical pen at first glance.

It also has a textured grip. It’s strong and durable. The ink is also easily replaceable.

VKTech Tactical Pen Anti-Skid Aviation Aluminum

The unit has a high level of aluminum construction than most of the tactical pens. For instance, it’s aviation aluminum that has hardened anodic oxidation. Therefore, there is no argument about its lightness, durability, or hardness.

It has a stainless steel head, and overall it retains a rating above HR90 for hardness. It features a diamond thread handle that offers a comfortable grip.

It also provides sublime writing. The anti-skid construction makes sure that when you use it as a weapon, it doesn’t keep on sliding.

It features enough power capable of breaking the glass and also has a manganese steel holder of its own.

A Comprehensive Buying Guide for the Best Tactical Pens

A tactical pen is a small item, and it may seem like purchasing one is easy. However, since there is a variety of them in the market makes it very difficult to choose the best tactical pen. The following are some factors to help you pick the best tactical pen.

Body Material

The material should be hardy and one that will last you for an extended period. For instance, there are three categories of materials that are best to choose from which are aircraft aluminum, high-impact plastic, and stainless steel.

Weight

Weight is also very important. Some prefer weighty pens, but most of them are lightweight. While a weighty pen is sturdier with a heavier strike, the lighter pens are comfortable to carry. Depending on your preference as well as defense style, choose a pen that will suit you best.

Ink Cartridge

If you need your pen also to write well, you should pay a close eye to its ink cartridge. Make sure it’s easy to replace, that you’ll be able to find its replacement easily, or you can use ones that are produced by a similar manufacturer.

The ink cartridges influence how you’ll write. The main types of ink cartridges include the Fischer space pen, parker ballpoint, and the parker gel ballpoint.

Concealment

Any tactical pen should not attract any attention that is unwanted. Therefore, the ability of the pen to look like a regular pen is essential. Some pens can be larger to be reliable in some tight spots.

If you wish to carry your tactical pen to every place you go, then make sure you purchase one that is inconspicuous. But if you’ll prefer to have it in your car, then buy a reliable one that doesn’t look ordinary.

Pen Tip

The tip of a tactical pen is able to break glass, cut or wound when used for self-defense. To protect you as the owner from being hurt, the tip has to be secured. As a writing tool, to aid its common blending, its tip has to be the major face.

Price

Price is always a determining factor that comes last. Always decide how much you’ll spend on your tactical pen. Tactical pens vary in cost and hence you’ll get what you are able to pay.

Our Recommendation

Tactical pens are mostly for survival and self-defense. The best pens here will provide the best experience but we recommend the Smith & Wesson SWPEN3BK Tactical Pen because it has a secure locking mechanism, a refillable cartridge for continuous usage, easy to carry, and very durable. However, if you need a tactical pen that writes on wet conditions as well as a glass breaker, then the Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen is the best option.

Conclusion

A tactical pen will provide you with the necessary utility which you’ll need and ensure that you won’t bite the dust. The best pen should be one with durable material construction, lightweight, and many other factors. Tactical pens are no longer for law enforcement officials, James Bond, or only military personnel. Get yourself one of the best tactical pens and stay safe.

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